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Suggest Remedies For Swelling In The Left Foot
Posted on
Fri, 10 Mar 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 10 Mar 2017
Answered on
Sat, 8 Apr 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I woke up with a swollen toe, could not wear tight shoes. It is not the big toe but the one to the left of the little toe. After a day's work, now 3 toes are swelled up plus the top of my foot. What is your conclusion?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Without being able to see it (can you upload pictures using the "upload reports" button?) I can't say definitively, but you may have an infection of the soft tissue called cellulitis.
It could also be a small blood clot, but cellulitis is more common. Cellulitis is a deeper infection than just the superficial skin. It can happen from a small cut. In an extremity such as the foot, if you get it early, sometimes it can be nipped in the bud by soaking it in hot water.
The heat increases blood flow and white blood cells to clean up the infection, plus, most bacteria that like the soft tissues have a limited range of temperature at which they can multiply, so heat can curtail that.
But as I cannot see how extensive your problem is or even if it is cellulitis, I strongly advise that you go in to the urgent care clinic (or if none is available, the ER) now to have it looked at.
If it is cellulitis, they will likely give you an antibiotic. (You should still do hot soaks though in addition.)
Feel free to ask further
Regards
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Without being able to see it (can you upload pictures using the "upload reports" button?) I can't say definitively, but you may have an infection of the soft tissue called cellulitis.
It could also be a small blood clot, but cellulitis is more common. Cellulitis is a deeper infection than just the superficial skin. It can happen from a small cut. In an extremity such as the foot, if you get it early, sometimes it can be nipped in the bud by soaking it in hot water.
The heat increases blood flow and white blood cells to clean up the infection, plus, most bacteria that like the soft tissues have a limited range of temperature at which they can multiply, so heat can curtail that.
But as I cannot see how extensive your problem is or even if it is cellulitis, I strongly advise that you go in to the urgent care clinic (or if none is available, the ER) now to have it looked at.
If it is cellulitis, they will likely give you an antibiotic. (You should still do hot soaks though in addition.)
Feel free to ask further
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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